![5 Best Walk Behind/Wheeled String Trimmers of 2021 [reviews]](https://i0.wp.com/thewisehandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/remington-walk-behind-string-trimmer.jpg?resize=1080%2C675&ssl=1)
A wheeled string trimmer is one of the most underrated yard tools out there.
Most homeowners, and even many professional landscapers don’t even know that wheeled, walk behind string trimmers exist. Yet, it’s a tool that can save a lot of time and back ache.
As the name implies, wheeled string trimmers are basically a weed eater on wheels that make edging your lawn, trimming around obstacles, and cutting high grass incredibly easy. Are you one of those people that have a ton of edge on your lawn? A wheeled weed eater is a must have!
Based on my experience of 20 years in the landscaping industry and extensive research, I’ve put together a list of the best walk behind string trimmers on the market in 2019.
Quick Summary: The 5 Best Wheeled String Trimmers of 2019
The 5 Best Wheeled String Trimmers – Reviews
This is the trimmer that I own and use personally..
The Remington High Wheel Trimmer has a strong engine that you can use for a prolonged period without it losing any strength. This trimmer features a forged steel crankshaft, cast-iron cylinder, and forged steel ball bearings for added durability.
The handle folds, letting you store the trimmer easily. The handle is also comfortable to hold onto when you are trimming brush and greenery.
The wide 22-inch cutting path takes care of big jobs in no time at all. This trimmer uses heavy-duty line so that you can take on rigorous jobs without having to constantly be replacing line.
This trimmer has a guard so that you are not hit with debris when you are using the tool. The high wheels allow you to maneuver rough terrain without having to exert a lot of effort.
All in all, there aren’t many bad things about this trimmer, which is why I look forward to using it every weekend.
- Engine: 4-cycle OHV, 159 cc engine
- Trimmer line: 0.155-inch trimmer line
- Cutting path: 22 inches
Pros
- The large wheels power through rough terrain easily
- You can use it for very tall weeds, even those that exceed five feet tall
- This trimmer is easy to handle
- It is very fuel efficient for its power
Cons
- The bolts and nuts need tightening every year, but that’s pretty typical. I added lock washers to mine to fix that.
The Husqvarna High Wheel Trimmer is ideal for rough terrain due to its 12-inch tires. You can also adjust the cutting height from 1.6 to three inches to accommodate taller greenery and brush.
This trimmer uses a push drive system. This makes it easy to start and operate. The heavy-duty string that you use with this trimmer makes it possible to tackle multiple types of terrain at once.
This trimmer features throttle control for more efficiency when you are using it. You can also adjust the height of the handle.
All in all, if you need to cut big brush regularly, go with the Husqvarna High Wheel trimmer.
- Engine: Briggs and Stratton 163 cc engine
- Trimmer line: 0.155-inch trimmer line
- Cutting path: 22 inches
Pros
- The engine is strong and durable
- You can use it on plants and greenery that exceeds three feet tall
- The string is easy to replace
Cons
- Keep an eye out on the drive belt
The Southland Outdoor Field Trimmer uses manual recoil to start the engine. It also has easy start fuel delivery so that it starts are soon as you pull the rope properly.
The 12-inch rear wheels let you use this trimmer on rough terrain. You can easily maneuver this trimmer without it sticking on uneven ground.
On the handle, there is foam to reduce the vibration when you are using the trimmer. The handle also folds down so that it is easier to put away when you are not using it.
- Engine: 5.75 foot-pounds, 150 cc engine
- Trimmer line: It uses 0.155-inch trimmer line
- Cutting path: The cutting path is 22 inches
Pros
- The instructions are very clear
- You can use this trimmer for major jobs
- It is powerful enough to get through woody stems
- Changing the string is easy
Cons
- It may lose efficiency when weeds are several feet tall
- Very tall weeds may jam in the string
The Cub Cadet String Trimmer has a 22-inch cutting path so that you can tackle big jobs in a relatively short period. You can adjust the cutting height to match the environment that you are working in. The adjustments range from 1.75 inches up to four inches. This feature allows for added flexibility when you are cutting terrain that requires different cutting heights.
This engine provides enough power for just about any job. The auto choke system allows you to start the engine quickly without needing to do any priming first.
On the deck of the trimmer is a debris shield to protect you when you are pulling it. The design of the deck also allows you to get right up to buildings or fences.
- Engine: OHV 150 cc engine
- Trimmer line: It uses 0.155-inch trimmer line
- Cutting path: The cutting path is 22 inches
Pros
- This machine works hard and can plow through thick greenery and brush
- You can use it on slopes with ease
- This trimmer is easy to push even on rough terrain
Cons
- Couldn’t find many cons with this weed eater
The Ariens Company Walk Behind Trimmer has an auto choke feature. This prevents the need to prime it before you start the engine. For added durability, there are cast-iron cylinder liners on the engine.
This trimmer uses four strings to cut when you are pushing it. You can adjust the cutting height to better suit the environment that you are working in. The adjustments range from 1.25 to 4.25 inches.
The handles folds, making this trimmer easier to store when you are not using it. The tires are 14 inches, and they are the run flat type. This allows you to work on bad terrain without having to stop to replace punctured tires.
- Engine: 4-cycle OHV, 173 cc engine
- Trimmer line: It uses 0.155-inch trimmer line
- Cutting path: The cutting path is 22 inches
Pros
- It has a choke feature
- The engine is strong
- It uses heavy-duty string
Cons
- It is sometimes hard to push, but that’s the price you pay with all this power
Wheeled String Trimmer Buyer’s Guide
Need more than trimmer reviews? No problem! Here are some of the common terms to know as they pertain to these string-trimmer-mower machines, and what you should think about when purchasing a walk behind trimmer.Cutting Swath
The cutting swatch refers to the diameter that the walk-behind trimmer will cut. Think of it the same as a push mower (after all, a walk behind trimmer is basically a string mower). Most walk-behind eaters have a cutting swath of 22 inches, which is significantly larger than your average hand held trimmer. However, there are some wheeled trimmers with a 17 inch cutting swatch. The cutting line on a walk behind trimmer reaches across the bottom of the tool so that it can remove brush and greenery in a large area at one time. Think of how the blade on a lawnmower works to get an idea about how the string works on this type of trimmer.The Wheels
Walk behinds usually have large tires to make it easy to push through thick greenery and rough terrain. On average, the wheels range from 12 to 16 inches in diameter. This size range makes it easier for you to maneuver on surfaces that are uneven. The rougher the terrain, the bigger the tires you want to have on your trimmer. This will ensure that you can pull it through with less effort. The wheels on these tools are usually a never-flat type or a hardened plastic. No need to worry about rocks or other sharp debris puncturing your tires.Engine Options
These trimmers come with a 2-cycle engine or a 4-cycle engine, usually the latter (and I almost always prefer four-stroke engines on weed eaters). A 4-cycle engine is always going to be more efficient, cleaner, and less noisy than a 2-cycle engine. As is the case with any gas-powered tool, make sure you perform proper maintenance and store the tool properly. Do not forget to change the oil every 30 uses or so. Less common on these types of tool is the 2 stroke engine, which is lighter in weight, but they are usually louder and use more fuel compared to a 4-cycle engine. Since these have wheels, weight is less of a concern than power and reliability, so go with a 4 stroke.Starting the Trimmer
A recoil starter is the most common type of starter on this type of tool. You will pull the rope to start the engine. When you pull the rope, it forces the engine to turn over so that it will start running. This is similar to the pull-starts that you see on lawnmowers. There are a few that have an electric start, but generally speaking that isn’t worth it.Replacing the Line
The owner’s manual for your trimmer will have the specifications you need to look for when you are buying replacement string for your trimmer. It is imperative that you follow these specifications to ensure that the string fits and that it provides optimal efficiency when you are using the trimmer. Here’s a great video showing how to replace string trimmer line.You can choose different lengths, diameters, and shapes for the string that you use. The best type depends on the rigor of the job. For example, if you are performing a tough job, you want to have a thicker string. For more info, see our top picks for string trimmer line.
Walk Behind Trimmer vs Hand Held String Trimmers
Do you need a walk-behind or a hand held? Well, for a lawn nut like me, the answer is simple: both. But for most people, a hand-held trimmer is a necessity, whereas a walk-behind is a luxury. Hand Held Trimmers A hand-held trimmer is going to have far more maneuverability and versatility. You can rotate the trimmer head all three dimensions, which is handy if you have nooks and crannies or uneven terrain that you need to cut. Hand held strimmers can also double as an edger (though a pole edger is always preferred). Typically the cutting width is going to be smaller, and because you need to carry them, hand-held trimmers are going to be harder to use no matter how ergonomic they are. Additionally, some hand-held gas string trimmers have attachments that can turn it into a blower, vacuum, or pole saw. Walk-behind Trimmers A walk-behind trimmer cuts horizontally and is on wheels. Because they are mounted on ball bearing wheels, they have more powerful motors and larger cutting swath. The enhanced power makes them ideal for tackling tall grass, thick brush, and tough weeds. Using one is sort of like mowing the lawn with a push mower. Walk behind string trimmers are best for highly predictable edges that you have to do every weekend such as trimming around the house or fence lines. For example, I live on a corner lot with a sidewalk and have a lot of house to trim around, and my walk behind takes me maybe 20 minutes max, whereas a hand held would take north of an hour.Conclusion
Though it’s not an essential yard tool like a push mower or hand-held trimmer, a walk behind string trimmer can help you tackle overgrowth and make cutting routine, even areas much less painful. I hope that you buy a string trimmer and love it as much as I do. Have questions? Let me know in the comments below and I’d be happy to help out!Table of Contents
